Plattekill Falls (Platte Clove Preserve)

Plattekill Falls (Platte Clove Preserve) is a 0.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Elka Park, New York that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from April until November.

DISTANCE

0.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

137 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

hiking

walking

forest

river

waterfall

rocky

scramble

no dogs

A short, steep hike down to Plattekill Falls, located at the top of Platte Clove and its Plattekill Creek.
After signing in using the trailhead's sign-in box near the Overlook Bridge, do not cross the bridge (this leads to the Long Path and junctions for the Devil's Path and Plattekill/Overlook Mountains). Instead, walk left and past the Red House until you come to an intersection, with a plaque discussing the geology of the Clove. Make a right at this junction and continue down the trail as it steepens. You will eventually reach the botttom of Plattekill Falls, which drops more than 65 feet from the top. Reverse course back to the trailhead, sign out, and walk back to your car.
Take caution in this area. With care and patience, the trail itself is safe. Areas in the immediate vicinity are not. The dangers are sometimes difficult to see and the landscape is fragile. A fall in some places will mean a fall of several stories and certain serious injury or death.

Zef P.

The little red house at the beginning of the trail is an "artist's cottage" owned and operated by the DEC. Artists submit their portfolios and, if they are selected, they get to stay at the house for a week or so from march to September. Please respect the artists' privacy and try not to make too much noise as you're passing by. Don't look inside the windows. The person staying there, if not busy painting, will sometimes take you on a tour of the old cabin.

Terri E.

hiking

9 months ago

This was a great little hike. Not very long at all. That was the only disappointing thing in this hike. Nice workout on the way back up. The Falls were absolutely spectacular!!!! One of the best I have seen. It was flowing very good and you could feel the water and wind from the force of the falls. If you love waterfalls, this is one you should definitely check out. Spring is probably the best time to visit for a gushing falls view

In terms of a short hike, this is a major bang for your buck. The waterfall is absolutely gorgeous and the pool it falls into is plenty big enough for a good dip. This is a great place to go after working up a sweat on a longer hike, or just great for a quick trip. The trail itself is only a mile/mile and a half round trip so it's pretty chill. A little treacherous at times, but nothing too bad. The trailhead is a bit difficult to find, but look for a small red house with a road that looks like private property (about 100 ft from the 0.9 mile trail that takes you to the Devil's Path). There's a small white sign that shows you you've found the Platte Cove Preserve.

Off the beaten trail and a little dangerous at times, but what's a good hike without some risk, right? Not appropriate for children or anyone with the fear of heights. Start on the Long Path Trailhead marker, but don't cross the bridge. Follow the left side of the river, past the small water fall (that is kid friendly), down to the bottom. Bring your swimsuit!

Nice secluded area. The trail begins past a red barn~house. Follow the sound of water to get to the first smaller waterfall (which is an unmarked path) and from there after passing through the waterfall (only if the stream isn't too powerful) turn left and follow the water to the bigger waterfall. This area has the same vibe as Kaaterskil and unfortunately the same deadly incidents that have happened to hikers that weren't too careful, despite the whole thing being a really easy walk. Careful not to look over the edges.